Date: 18-11-2016

Call for Evidence to inform Landscape Analyses on the Early Childhood Workforce

In 2015, Results for Development Institute (R4D) and ISSA (International Step by Step Association) jointly launched the Early Childhood Workforce Initiative (ECWI). This global effort supports and empowers those who work with families and young children under eight years of age, and those who supervise and mentor frontline workers. As part of this initiative, R4D is carrying out a series of landscape analyses to assess the size and scope of the challenges currently faced by the early childhood workforce. Four landscape analyses will focus on the following thematic areas:

  • competencies and standards
  • training and professional development
  • monitoring and mentoring
  • recognition of the profession

These studies will focus on a diverse range of roles within the early childhood workforce, including: professionals and paraprofessionals, paid and unpaid workers, frontline workers and managers from across the education and care, health and nutrition, sanitation and hygiene, and social and child protection sectors. In terms of geographic focus, the landscape analyses will cover high-, middle-, and low-income countries across all regions. By synthesizing literature on the policies, practices, challenges, and needs related to the early childhood workforce, these studies aim to strengthen the knowledge base on the existing status of the workforce, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately generate action among policymakers. Call for Evidence As a first step, R4D has carried out a review of key regional and global literature on the early childhood workforce. However, given the enormity of this endeavor, and the vast sectors, roles, and regions that these landscape analyses will encompass, there is a crucial need for additional research. In order to diversify the existing pool of resources, R4D is calling for global, regional, and country-level evidence on the early childhood workforce, with specific emphasis on the four selected thematic areas. In terms of types of sources, the team is looking for academic/peer-reviewed literature, grey literature, and policy documents. This " target="_blank">attached pdf document offers you some examples of the type of materials we wish to collect and those which we already have. How you can help If you have any sources to share or suggestions for additional evidence to include, please contact Radhika Mitter at rmitter@r4d.org. Please disseminate this Call for Evidence among your networks of members and partners. Deadline Please send us your suggestions for additional evidence and sources by December 9th, 2016.